Roger Federer did little to encourage the thought that he could win an incredible three Grand Slam titles this year after labouring through his US Open first round against teenage opposition.

An unlikely favourite at the age of 36, Federer had to reach within himself to see off the challenge of 19 year-old American Francis Tiafoe and win 4-6, 6-2, 6-1, 1-6, 6-4.

The Swiss master admitted that recent back issues played on his mind as he got off to a sluggish start with his movement seemingly impeded before suppressing one of the current crop of exciting young American talents.

Roger Federer narrowly overcame Francis Tiafoe in five sets in the first round of the US Open

Federer had to find it within himself to get the better of the 19-year-old American

Federer admitted that that recent back issues played on his mind during his first round victory

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'My preparation was compromised so I'm happy,' said Federer, who now meets Mikhail Youznhy or Blaz Kavcic, not theoretically the most intimidating of opposition.

'I had a bit of a slow start today. I was a bit worried with my back issues but I was able to let go.' The noise generated by spectators with the roof of the Arthur Ashe Stadium closed seemed to bother him at first, as it had done Rafael Nadal earlier in the day.

He insisted: 'I'm extremely well. I wasn't here last year and to get through five sets you have to be strong. It was exciting and that's why I came to New York, to go through these emotions.'

The Swiss great was pleased with his win despite going the distance with Tiafoe

The US Open favourite beat the American youngster in just two hours and 37 minutes

Nonetheless the Swiss did little to back up the feeling that he is favourite to add to his Australian Open and Wimbledon trophies as part of his career's extraordinary Indian summer.

He lost the fourth set in 24 minutes and failed to serve out the match when leading 5-3, needing a late break to seal a match that was played at a rattling pace and was over in just two hours and 37 minutes against the world number 71.

A second, rain-interrupted day ended just before midnight with the thought that the men's tournament is almost as wide open as that of the women.

Federer will face either Mikhail Youznhy or Blaz Kavcic in the second round of the US Open